Our Journey Begins - 2018 AI TB Lounge

[c21]

Originally Posted by wachuko

LOL you are all too funny

I was about to order the hitch carrier for my Triumph Thruxton but folks in the Triumph forum are not too supportive of the idea. Trying to find folks carrying similar bikes with the Mototote to get some real user feedback.

Here is a pic of my trailer which I had custom built to a narrower than standard width to more closely track behind the AI. If you are interested it is for sale. You can pm me for details.

[wachuko]

Originally Posted by nvestysly

The first improvement I made on our new (to us) 2010 Interstate was adding an interior switch to turn the propane on/off. The outside switch remains in place so it complies with the safety regulations. I can't imagine RVing without the inside switch.

Originally Posted by c21bill

I use a MotoTote but just to carry a 275# Hooligan Scooter and mine is a standard length AI with a higher tongue load rating. Don't know of anyone hauling anything as heavy as a Truxton. I'm sure you'll go over the recommended hitch tongue load with what you are proposing. You might want to consider a small trailer for the bike.

I agree with the above poster on the interior propane switch. One of my earliest additions. My dealer charged $175 to install.

Yes. I bought the switch and it is ready for install when I get the AI home.

On the trailer... I just do not want to tow anything... that is why I was looking at the hitch carrier... I just sold my Harley to my cousin... thinking that I would keep the Triumph since it was lighter... but you are right, for the AI the tongue weight capacity is 500 lbs, not 600 lbs like in my X5... this changes everything. I would be 60 lbs over tongue weight capacity between the weight of the bike and the weight of the carrier carp!

I rather not take the bike and just do separate bike rides without the wife then...

[c21]

Originally Posted by wachuko

Yes. I bought the switch and it is ready for install when I get the AI home.

On the trailer... I just do not want to tow anything... that is why I was looking at the hitch carrier... I just sold my Harley to my cousin... thinking that I would keep the Triumph since it was lighter... but you are right, for the AI the tongue weight capacity is 500 lbs, not 600 lbs like in my X5... this changes everything. I would be 60 lbs over tongue weight capacity between the weight of the bike and the weight of the carrier carp!

I rather not take the bike and just do separate bike rides without the wife then...

You also need to take into account the cantilever effect of the carrier and bike being so far behind the receiver. You would wind up way overweight.

[wachuko]

Originally Posted by c21bill

You also need to take into account the cantilever effect of the carrier and bike being so far behind the receiver. You would wind up way overweight.

Yes. Bottom line... no Triumph on a hitch carrier.

BTW, beautiful matching trailer you have there... but I really do not want to be towing a trailer. That was the main reason for getting the AI... plus we sold the land we had, so no place to store anything anymore when not in use...

[GETRIDAONE]

You waited two months so whats two more weeks. Hopefully the dealer will take the extra time to check every detail on your new toy. It will be a great Christmas present for the family and make for many lasting memories.

[FlyFishinRVr]

Originally Posted by wachuko

Yes. Bottom line... no Triumph on a hitch carrier.

Several companies out there make bike lifts for RVs that are rated up to 1000#. They aren’t cheap because they attach to the frame, not the receiver, but if you really want to haul your bike, ANY bike (including the Harley), you can do it. If you were to add something like that, I would recommend adding air bags or a similar system to offset the added weight on the back. [emoji6]

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by FlyFishinRVr

Several companies out there make bike lifts for RVs that are rated up to 1000#. They aren’t cheap because they attach to the frame, not the receiver, but if you really want to haul your bike, ANY bike (including the Harley), you can do it.

One could carry any bike, but only up to the Interstate's GVWR or Gross Rear Axle Weight Rating, whichever comes first.

I do not believe that one would be able to take advantage of the bike lift's full load capacity because one would run out of the Interstate's cargo capacity first.

[wachuko]

Updating list (how I wish we could just update original post...)

1. Ordered - Glacier Ice Corian flip shelf Part number 602233-07 - Tommy Bahama edition does not come with the extended counter piece due to the under counter lights mounted. Had to be custom ordered in matching counter top color.
2. Ordered - Two additional battery trays (these come with strap downs). AGM CL24, End mount Part numbers: 454982 - This is to double the house battery capacity.
3. Ordered - Will be using two additional stock batteries for now (Part number for batteries: 511828 Battery, 12 Volt, Deep cycle, AGM Lifeline)
4. Ordered - Teak Shower Mat for Airstream Interstate Lounge
5. Ordered - Collapsible ladder - needed one at home so figured I would buy one that would also work with the RV
6. Ordered - Duallys valvesDually 16'' Steel / Aluminum Valve Stem Extension Kit DL1SPAL - dealer did not have these. So order placed and I will drop them over for them to install before I take delivery on the 16. Should be here in a couple of days.
7. Ordered - Telescoping pole (and a Squeegee and Window Scrubber) for cleaning windshield and to make sure there is clearance before driving through areas with limited height, because I want to keep all the stuff on top of the Interstate in one piece... ouch!
8. Arrived - Victron BlueSolar 100/30 MPPT Charge Controller - 30 Amps / 100 Volts
9. Arrived - Victron VE.Direct Bluetooth Dongle
10. Arrived - Blue Sea ML-ACR 7622 Automatic Charging Relay
11. Surge protector/EMS - Progressive Industries EMS-PT30X Surge/EMS Protector with Cover - 30 Amp - to protect the electrical system in the Interstate when hooking up at a camp site
12. ARB ARB605 Blue Inflator with Gauge and Braided Hose - I have been meaning to get a new one from my garage. This will work just fine and I will modify it to take different tips so I can also use it for those hard to reach motorcycle wheels.
13. ARB CKMA12 Air Compressor High Output On-Board 12V Air Compressor and a tire plug kit
14. Water pressure regulator for when hooking up at RV park facilities. Read somewhere that this prevents damage to the Interstate water lines when the pressure at the RV Park is higher than expected
15. 3M Clear (or Xpel) protection film for the front to protect headlights and windshield
16. 3M Crystalline film on windshield (clear) and side windows (legal tint) - to reduce heat inside while driving.
17. Rubber Wheel Chocks
18. Leveling blocks/pads and the wheel chocks for these...
19. Windshield cover for when parked to reduce interior heat. Also looking at this thread for maybe doing something similar for the side glass/windows. Anything that will help lower the inside temperature of our Interstate in this hot Florida climate (I know, not as harsh as in Arizona and Texas, but still...)
20. Memory foam top for the bed or RV Superbag https://www.rvsuperbag.com/
21. Build two boards (that can fold away for storage) for additional sleeping space for my two kids
22. Gloves, hoses (separate hoses for water fills and for tank cleaning)
23. Inline water filter for filling tanks - to keep all internals in great shape and avoid build ups...
24. Sound deadening material to wrap generator and bring down the noise it makes - Thread on this
25. Longer term. ARB Fridge / Freezer (ARB Elements Weatherproof 63 Quart Fridge) for extending cooling storage capacity. I also want to get a Jeep Wrangler diesel a few years from now to replace the X5 and this would be perfect for now and to take in the Jeep when going remote places (I can dream, can I? lol ).

Dropped the hitch carrier for the motorcycle... as mentioned, I would be way over the tongue weight limit to safely carry it...

[FlyFishinRVr]

Originally Posted by Protagonist

One could carry any bike, but only up to the Interstate's GVWR or Gross Rear Axle Weight Rating, whichever comes first.

I do not believe that one would be able to take advantage of the bike lift's full load capacity because one would run out of the Interstate's cargo capacity first.

If you look at the OCCC of the Lounge EXT, it's just shy of 2,000lbs. One would have to reach out to AS to find out how much of that is available at the rear axle, then compare that to the combined weight of the lift, motorcycle, and then proportional weight of OCCC carried on that axle. While it likely won't allow for 1000#, it most likely would cover the weight of his Triumph.

[wachuko]

Originally Posted by FlyFishinRVr

Several companies out there make bike lifts for RVs that are rated up to 1000#. They aren’t cheap because they attach to the frame, not the receiver, but if you really want to haul your bike, ANY bike (including the Harley), you can do it. If you were to add something like that, I would recommend adding air bags or a similar system to offset the added weight on the back. [emoji6]

I will search for those. Harley is gone. I only kept the Triumph Thruxton R.

The beauty of the Mototote was ease of use. And when removed, the SUV or AI would be back to normal...

From the sound of it, those that attach to the frame might be a pita to use and will leave some awful looking something behind it when not in use... I will search for those later tonight. Thank you for the suggestion. Motorcycle is a little bit less than 500 lbs.

[wachuko]

This is my bike

[wachuko]

Originally Posted by GETRIDAONE

You waited two months so whats two more weeks. Hopefully the dealer will take the extra time to check every detail on your new toy. It will be a great Christmas present for the family and make for many lasting memories.

hahahaaha... must use that gif!!

[FlyFishinRVr]

Originally Posted by wachuko

I will search for those. Harley is gone. I only kept the Triumph Thruxton R.

The beauty of the Mototote was ease of use. And when removed, the SUV or AI would be back to normal...

From the sound of it, those that attach to the frame might be a pita to use and will leave some awful looking something behind it when not in use... I will search for those later tonight. Thank you for the suggestion. Motorcycle is a little bit less than 500 lbs.

The only real problem I see with them is when the bike is on the lift, you won't be able to open the back doors. There's no one that makes a lift that will swing out of the way that can handle that sort of weight, so keep that in mind. Most can be removed when not in use.

https://www.cruiserlift.com/cruiserlift
http://hydralift-usa.com/motorhome-lift-2/
https://www.overbiltlifts.com/electric-lift/

[wachuko]

Filling out the WBCCI application... not sure what unit to select so I will with with Member at Large for now...??? Makes sense?

Edit: DONE!!!

[wachuko]

and if I did everything correctly... looks like we are signed up for our first rally!!

Topsail Hill Preserve State Park - 12th Annual Canopener Rally - January 4-7, 2018

[wachuko]

Updating list (how I wish we could just update original post...)

1. Ordered - Glacier Ice Corian flip shelf Part number 602233-07 - Tommy Bahama edition does not come with the extended counter piece due to the under counter lights mounted. Had to be custom ordered in matching counter top color.
2. Ordered - Two additional battery trays (these come with strap downs). AGM CL24, End mount Part numbers: 454982 - This is to double the house battery capacity.
3. Ordered - Will be using two additional stock batteries for now (Part number for batteries: 511828 Battery, 12 Volt, Deep cycle, AGM Lifeline)
4. Ordered - Teak Shower Mat for Airstream Interstate Lounge
5. Ordered - Collapsible ladder - needed one at home so figured I would buy one that would also work with the RV
6. Ordered - Duallys valvesDually 16'' Steel / Aluminum Valve Stem Extension Kit DL1SPAL - dealer did not have these. So order placed and I will drop them over for them to install before I take delivery on the 16. Should be here in a couple of days.
7. Ordered - Now that we know we will be doing our first rally on Jan 4... noticed that the lot we got has only a 50 amp hook up. So got the needed adapter :
   Camco RV Dogbone Electrical Adapter With PowerGrip Handle, 50 Amp Male To 30 Amp Female, 18-Inch
8. Ordered - Telescoping pole (and a Squeegee and Window Scrubber) for cleaning windshield and to make sure there is clearance before driving through areas with limited height, because I want to keep all the stuff on top of the Interstate in one piece... ouch!
9. Ordered - Inline water filter for filling tanks - to keep all internals in great shape and avoid build ups...
10. Ordered - ARB ARB605 Blue Inflator with Gauge and Braided Hose - I have been meaning to get a new one from my garage. This will work just fine and I will modify it to take different tips so I can also use it for those hard to reach motorcycle wheels.
11. Ordered - Water pressure regulator for when hooking up at RV park facilities. Read somewhere that this prevents damage to the Interstate water lines when the pressure at the RV Park is higher than expected
12. Ordered - Surge protector/EMS - Progressive Industries EMS-PT30X Surge/EMS Protector with Cover - 30 Amp - to protect the electrical system in the Interstate when hooking up at a camp site
13. Arrived - Victron BlueSolar 100/30 MPPT Charge Controller - 30 Amps / 100 Volts
14. Arrived - Victron VE.Direct Bluetooth Dongle
15. Arrived - Blue Sea ML-ACR 7622 Automatic Charging Relay
16. TST 507 TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM WITH 06 CAP SENSORS AND NEW COLOR MONITOR (INCLUDES SIGNAL REPEATER) - searching to see who has the best price on this... I missed ordering it when TST mentioned in a thread some event pricing a few months back
17. ARB CKMA12 Air Compressor High Output On-Board 12V Air Compressor and a tire plug kit
18. 3M Clear (or Xpel) protection film for the front to protect headlights and windshield
19. 3M Crystalline film on windshield (clear) and side windows (legal tint) - to reduce heat inside while driving.
20. Rubber Wheel Chocks
21. Leveling blocks/pads and the wheel chocks for these...
22. Windshield cover for when parked to reduce interior heat. Also looking at this thread for maybe doing something similar for the side glass/windows. Anything that will help lower the inside temperature of our Interstate in this hot Florida climate (I know, not as harsh as in Arizona and Texas, but still...)
23. Memory foam top for the bed or RV Superbag https://www.rvsuperbag.com/
24. Build two boards (that can fold away for storage) for additional sleeping space for my two kids
25. Gloves, hoses (separate hoses for water fills and for tank cleaning)
26. Sound deadening material to wrap generator and bring down the noise it makes - Thread on this
27. Longer term. ARB Fridge / Freezer (ARB Elements Weatherproof 63 Quart Fridge) for extending cooling storage capacity. I also want to get a Jeep Wrangler diesel a few years from now to replace the X5 and this would be perfect for now and to take in the Jeep when going remote places (I can dream, can I? lol ).

We need to rehearse and be ready for the rally... plan is to stay in it at home in the front driveway to see what we need and pack accordingly... we know we will not get it right the first time, but trying not to have to move the AI from the lot during the time we are there...

[Tincampers]

Originally Posted by wachuko

and if I did everything correctly... looks like we are signed up for our first rally!!

Topsail Hill Preserve State Park - 12th Annual Canopener Rally - January 4-7, 2018

Can opener is fun, but is not a WBCCI event. Not that it matters. Protagonist is usually there. We are thinking about it.

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by Tincampers

Can opener is fun, but is not a WBCCI event. Not that it matters. Protagonist is usually there. We are thinking about it.

Not "usually." 2018 will only be my 2nd time to attend.

2015 was my first time, and the 2015 Canopener was basically my retirement party, since I arrived less than a week after my last work day.

2016 I had other commitments— namely the WBCCI Mid-Winter IBT (I was a Unit president at the time, and felt it was incumbent upon me to attend).

2017 I had a girlfriend who really didn't want to attend rallies of any kind but liked RV camping otherwise, so even though I had a reservation for the 2017 Canopener, I canceled it. Which in hindsight was a mistake, because said girlfriend and I parted ways soon after that anyway.

But this year I'm back, and planning to attend every year for the foreseeable future unless real life makes other plans for me.

[Tincampers]

Originally Posted by Protagonist

Not "usually." 2018 will only be my 2nd time to attend.

2015 was my first time, and the 2015 Canopener was basically my retirement party, since I arrived less than a week after my last work day.

2016 I had other commitments— namely the WBCCI Mid-Winter IBT (I was a Unit president at the time, and felt it was incumbent upon me to attend).

2017 I had a girlfriend who really didn't want to attend rallies of any kind but liked RV camping otherwise, so even though I had a reservation for the 2017 Canopener, I canceled it. Which in hindsight was a mistake, because said girlfriend and I parted ways soon after that anyway.

But this year I'm back, and planning to attend every year for the foreseeable future unless real life makes other plans for me.

Oh, I thought you were a regular. 2015 and 16 were our two years. Dreadfully cold both times.

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by Tincampers

Oh, I thought you were a regular. 2015 and 16 were our two years. Dreadfully cold both times.

I will be a regular from now on, if at all possible.